News Flash

Canton Leisure Services Division

Posted on: July 23, 2018

Canton’s National Night Out to Feature Annual “Not in Our Town” Community Program

On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, area residents are invited to Heritage Park’s North Pavilion to spend a special night out from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with their community partners: the Canton Police Department, the Canton Public Library, Canton Response to Hate Crimes Coalition (CRHCC) and Canton Leisure Services. These Canton community organizations proudly present this year’s National Night Out, featuring Canton’s Annual ‘Not In Our Town’ community program.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. The community is invited to join us for this feel-good evening filled with live music, an interactive Canton Public Safety vehicle display, complimentary refreshments from Kona Ice and Cruisin’ Custom Coneys, and prizes provided by Target, one of this year’s event sponsors. Additional activities include: a craft project provided by Home Depot; a bounce house provided by Awesome Bounce of Michigan, a K-9 demonstration, and more. Participants will also be able to design a Kindness Rock, with support from Amanda Ross-State Farm Insurance Agent, which will help spread goodwill as part of a future community art installation. Additional generous event support is being provided by Community Financial Credit Union.

“Each year this community event celebrates the importance of residents and neighborhoods uniting together to take a stand against crime in our community,” stated Canton Community Relations Coordinator Patty Esselink.

“It is an opportunity for residents to meet and interact with police and fire personnel, as well as strengthen Canton’s neighborhood spirit of camaraderie and the importance of keeping our community safe and tolerant.”

All ages are invited to attend this free event promoting tolerance and the “Not In Our Town” principles of building safe, inclusive communities for all. All activities will take place at Heritage Park’s north pavilion, located off of Heritage Drive.

The “Not In Our Town” community program is coordinated by the CRHCC. This group is an award-winning coalition of local law enforcement, leaders, and representatives of community organizations, faith-based organizations, public schools, and the community at large, who are committed to raising awareness of hate crimes, bias incidents, and bullying. The CRHCC offers support to victims of hate/bias/bullying and helps to restore a sense of community when these incidents occur.

Canton will join forces with neighbors participating across thousands of communities from all 50 states, as well as United States territories, Canada, and military bases worldwide for the 35th Annual “National Night Out,” coordinated by the National Association of Town Watch. According to the NATW website, more than 38 million neighbors across over 16,000 communities are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.